To the ancient Egyptians, Geb represented the embodiment of the earth, distinctly characterized as a male earth deity in contrast to the common perception of earth as female across many cultures. His worship was prevalent, leading to a rich tapestry of stories and depictions in Egyptian art.
Names and Titles
The god Geb is most frequently referenced by this name, though alternate spellings include Qeb, Seb, and Keb. He is also known by several titles found in ancient Egyptian texts. One prominent title is Kenkenwer, translated as “the great cackler”, alluding to the Egyptian belief that Geb’s laughter was responsible for creating earthquakes. Additionally, as the progenitor of the Osirian gods, he is described by titles such as “Chief of the gods” and “Father of the gods.”
Mythological Roles
In the sphere of Egyptian mythology, Geb held significant roles related to his status as the father of the Osirian gods, prompting the Greeks to liken him to Cronus. He ranked as the third divine ruler and was perceived as a tribal leader. Pharaohs traced their lineage back to Geb, with references to their throne as “the throne of Geb”, encapsulating Egypt within the context of “the house of Geb”.
Moreover, Geb was instrumental as the deity associated with the earth, playing a crucial role in the journey of an Egyptian soul into the afterlife. Following burial, it was believed that Geb was involved in the soul’s progression. He participated during the weighing of the heart ceremony, determining righteousness. If deemed worthy, he would free the soul from the earthly bonds to continue its journey.
Family Ties
Geb’s family connections are integral to his mythology:
– Father: Shu, the god of air
– Mother: Tefnut, the goddess of moisture and rain
– Sister/Wife: Nut, the goddess of the sky
– Children: Osiris (god of death and regeneration), Set (god of chaos), Horus (the god of the sun and kingship), Isis (goddess of wisdom and marriage), and Nepthys (goddess related to death and decay).
Legends surrounding Horus suggest he is either the son of Geb and Nut or of Isis and Osiris. These accounts sometimes also identify Ra as Geb’s father, with Shu as his sibling.
Worship Practices
Archaeological findings point to temples constructed for Geb in various regions, with Heliopolis recognized as the epicenter of his worship. In this locale, priests regarded Geb as the progenitor of the sun. They believed that he and Nut were responsible for creating a cosmic egg, which held the sun.
Myths and Stories
At the dawn of creation, leftover from the coupling of Shu and Tefnut were Geb and Nut, who were initially entwined. To prevent them from merging, Ra commanded Shu to separate the two, resulting in profound sorrow for Geb, whose tears formed the oceans. This narrative offers insight into the ancient Egyptians’ understanding of the formation of sky, earth, and seas.
Another legend recounts how Geb was bitten by the uraeus snake, leading to a feverish state. After being healed by Ra, Geb relinquished his throne, distributing dominion over Egypt to Horus in the north and Set in the south. Geb subsequently became one of the deities accompanying Ra on his solar journey.
Artistic Representations
The goose symbolizes Geb, derived from his epithet, the “Great Cackler”, and connected to tales of him laying the egg containing the sun. Artistic representations frequently feature a goose as part of his adornment. In various illustrations, Geb is shown standing or seated with an ankh and a spear that bears Set’s likeness, and his headdress varies:
- The white crown representing the north
- The red crown symbolizing the south
- The Atef crown adorned with a small sun disc and flanked by feathers
Other visual depictions portray Geb lying beneath Shu’s feet, with Nut curving above him, often illustrated with green or black skin, symbolizing the earth’s lushness. His form might also contain various elements, including trees and rivers, reflecting the geographical features of the earth.
